Customer Reviews

FryeEngineer 12R

Average rating is 5 out of 5 from a total of 71 reviews.

Top Positive Review

6 people found this review helpful.

Overall

Comfort

Style

I have been coveting these boots for close to a year and finally decided to invest the cash in them. They are definitely worth it. Nice thick leather, well constructed, they feel indestructible. Which means that yes, they feel stiff and heavy and tough to get on right out of the box. I opened the buckle, slid my foot in as far as it would go (wearing nylons, a plastic bag over the foot would work too), then pulled up on the back of the boot while rocking my foot back and forth until it popped in the rest of the way. They are going to require some breaking in, but you kind of want that in a boot- it means the leather will not break down and get too stretched out. Despite how stiff they are right now, I can tell they are going to be comfortable once they are broken in. They have good heel and arch support, the calf openings are not too tight or too loose, nothing is rubbing on my toes, etc. I had been torn between these and the Veronicas, so if you are too, here are the differences I saw: the Veronicas are a much thinner, softer leather, and a thinner sole/lower heel- more of a riding boot than a real engineer boot. I did not like how floppy the leather on the Veronicas is, it actually looks kinda cheesey to me, which is not what I want in such expensive boots. The engineer just seemed much more substantial. The other decision I struggled with was the color: gaucho or smoke? I went with the smoke, but I am not sure how I feel about it. The overall color is awesome; a grayish brown, with a weathered look- but the weathered look is maybe a little too manufactured. Mostly over the toes- there is a definite line of demarcation between the color of the toe and the rest of the boot that I do not think I am crazy about, so I am going to think about it for a day before I decide if I, going to exchange them for the gaucho. Other than that, I am very happy with this purchase and I cannot wait to wear these to death!

Top Critical Review

2 people found this review helpful.

Overall

Comfort

Style

So heartbroken about this boot! I love how it looks and the color is beautiful and true to the photo. It may fit others well but I found it unwearable. There is a kind of shelf between the heel and bed of the sole that interrupts the foot support and is very hard and uncomfortable. Also I found that it runs a 1/2 size smaller (I ordered an 8.5 instead of 8). I think the foot bed has a design flaw as I ordered an 8 before the 8.5 and both felt the same. Very sad.

I have been coveting these boots for close to a year and finally decided to invest the cash in them. They are definitely worth it. Nice thick leather, well constructed, they feel indestructible. Which means that yes, they feel stiff and heavy and tough to get on right out of the box. I opened the buckle, slid my foot in as far as it would go (wearing nylons, a plastic bag over the foot would work too), then pulled up on the back of the boot while rocking my foot back and forth until it popped in the rest of the way. They are going to require some breaking in, but you kind of want that in a boot- it means the leather will not break down and get too stretched out. Despite how stiff they are right now, I can tell they are going to be comfortable once they are broken in. They have good heel and arch support, the calf openings are not too tight or too loose, nothing is rubbing on my toes, etc. I had been torn between these and the Veronicas, so if you are too, here are the differences I saw: the Veronicas are a much thinner, softer leather, and a thinner sole/lower heel- more of a riding boot than a real engineer boot. I did not like how floppy the leather on the Veronicas is, it actually looks kinda cheesey to me, which is not what I want in such expensive boots. The engineer just seemed much more substantial. The other decision I struggled with was the color: gaucho or smoke? I went with the smoke, but I am not sure how I feel about it. The overall color is awesome; a grayish brown, with a weathered look- but the weathered look is maybe a little too manufactured. Mostly over the toes- there is a definite line of demarcation between the color of the toe and the rest of the boot that I do not think I am crazy about, so I am going to think about it for a day before I decide if I, going to exchange them for the gaucho. Other than that, I am very happy with this purchase and I cannot wait to wear these to death!

I loved this boot in the picture and it seemed perfect. But I was so sad to get them and not be able to put my foot into the boot!
The fabric above the heel is hard and made it impossible for me to get get my foot in.
I'm not sure if it is because it is to small or just the design, but I was very sad. I love the look of the boots and Fryes overall, but I recommend getting a half size to a size bigger!

This is my first pair of Frye boots. I've wanted a pair for ages, just had to talk myself into the money part. I was a bit worried about some of the warnings, "hard to get into", "stiff and took forever to break-in", on top of the fact that they list the shaft opening at 13". Where they hit me on the leg, I measure close to 15", so I was certain I'd be sending these back. But much to my shock and relief, they fit great, even with room to get my jeans inside them. My feet are regular width with moderately high arches. They are also 2 different sizes, with the right foot being slightly smaller. I wear an 8 in almost everything, a 38 in Euro sizes and sometimes I can still find a 7 1/2 that fits great. Now let me tell you how much I love these boots. My smaller right foot went right in without any trouble and had plenty of room in the toe box. My larger left foot was a bit more difficult, but with some pushing and pulling, it went through the foot opening and seated perfectly into the sole. I'm going to put some arch supports in so I'll be able to wear these comfortably all day. I also ordered the leather conditioner with these, so I'll be slathering that on just before each wear in the hopes that they'll stretch in the upper arch area and also soften the leather to get them a little more comfortable a little faster. I love these so much, I'm going to purchase another pair in a lighter color next payday. Can't hardly wait! Hope this helps someone else make an informed decision.

These are my 5th pair of Frye's and I am never disappointed with the quality. These run true to size but are difficult to get on. But once they are on, very comfortable and stylish. Can't say enough good things about my Frye's!

I've been eying these bad boys for a while now, and have been obsessed with Frye boots forever but never owned a pair. These are even more beautiful in person--I got the smoke. I ordered a half size smaller, and I'm glad I did. Once I get my foot in there, they fit perfectly and feel really good. My normal size (a 7) would probably stretch out and be too big and I'd be bummed. With a thin sock, as others have said, you can get your foot in, and I'm sure that over time, it won't be so hard. The foot bed is surprisingly more comfortable than I thought for a heavy-duty boot. I did get blisters on my heels the first day I wore them, but I think that's typical of a stiff boot. I am absolutely in love with these. My husband is worried, as I mentioned that people collect Frye boots! I'm already looking at other styles.